Top LB prospects

April 15, 2010 12:00 AM

Rolando McClain (ILB), 6-3 ¾, 254, 4.68, Alabama

The best linebacker prospect in the draft could become an outstanding pro playing in a 3-4, inside on the strong side. He could excel in the middle of a 4-3. Either way, he’s got everything it takes to become a star. He’s got size, strength, instincts and a good motor. He’s physical at the point of attack. Makes plays sideline to sideline. Needs to improve his pass coverage. Also has to learn to use his hands better to keep linemen off of him in trash. Suffers from Crohn’s Disease, but he keeps it under control. Should be the first linebacker drafted.

Best suited to play outside in a 3-4 so he can drop down and rush in space. Quick first step helps him gain an advantage off the ball. Excellent agility and balance make him difficult to knock off his feet. Plays best when he’s moving forward and attacking. Plays with a lot of passion most of the time. Needs to get stronger if he plays end in a 4-3. Needs to improve on pass coverage. Must improve at taking on blockers in the running game. Will be drafted in the first round.

The best pure 4-3 outside linebacker in the draft has watched his stock soar since the season ended, and he continued to impress scouts. He’s got quickness, speed, strength, a work ethic and a non-stop motor. He loves to attack the run. Gets good leverage, uses his hands well to shed and knows how to wrap. Had 33 tackles for loss in his last two seasons. He can turn and run with receivers and works hard in coverage. Rushes well when called on to put heat on the passer. Will go in the first round.

A natural pass rusher best suited to play outside in a 3-4. He’s got a quick first step. Has developed outstanding moves. Has the closing burst to the quarterback. Plays hard all the time. Had 26 ½ sacks and 36 tackles for loss in his last two seasons. If he plays end in a 4-3, he’ll need to bulk up for the running game. If he plays in a 3-4, he’ll need to improve coverage. This Sugar Land native should be drafted in the first round.

Made a name for himself as a senior playing with Jerry Hughes. After excelling on special teams early in his career, he used his uncanny quickness and terrific instincts to make plays all over the field. Needs to get stronger and gain weight to take on the larger and more physical blockers in the NFL. He can play outside in a 4-3 or inside in a 3-4. A hard worker who’s smart, loves to learn and doesn’t make the same mistakes over and over. Because of his quickness, he can cover well enough but still needs to improve. Should go in the second round.

Before he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, he was a sure No. 1 pick. He recovered and played well last season but lost some of the quickness and explosiveness he had before the injury. As it is, he’s smart, instinctive and intense. He understands the position. Very coachable. A natural leader. Knows how to find the ball and take the best angle to get it. Works hard in coverage. Needs to get stronger to take on the 300-plus blockers. Should go in the second round.

A small-college star who played defensive end and will make the switch to outside linebacker because he lacks size and strength to play in a 4-3. He might be able to play outside in a 3-4. He’s got the quickness and balance the scouts look for in a pass rusher. He’s fluid enough to turn and cover. He has problems when he takes on blockers against the run. Should go in the fourth or fifth round.

The best linebacker prospect in the draft could become an outstanding pro playing in a 3-4, inside on the strong side. He could excel in the middle of a 4-3. Either way, he’s got everything it takes to become a star. He’s got size, strength, instincts and a good motor. He’s physical at the point of attack. Makes plays sideline to sideline. Needs to improve his pass coverage. Also has to learn to use his hands better to keep linemen off of him in trash. Suffers from Crohn’s Disease, but he keeps it under control. Should be the first linebacker drafted.